Online Desk  :   The ministries of railways and health today (April 21) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly operate the 10 hospitals of Bangladesh Railway (BR). After some preliminary works, these hospitals would be opened to public. Currently, the railways officials and staff are receiving treatment from these hospitals. Railways Ministry Secretary Fahimul Islam and Health Services Division Secretary Saidur Rahman signed MoU on behalf of their ministries at Health Services Division auditorium at Secretariat.

Speaking at the programme, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum acknowledged a significant shortage of doctors in the country. However, she expressed hope that around 2,000 doctors could be appointed through a special BCS by mid-September. Rail Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan noted that although the MoU was signed today, it may take some time before the hospitals are fully ready to serve the public.